Gareth Thomas target of homophobic attack
Gareth Thomas thanks police for ‘restorative justice’ over hate crime assault in city centre
Gareth Thomas, the former Wales rugby international, has thanked police for allowing him “restorative justice” after he was the target of a homophobic attack in Cardiff. A teenager who attacked the former Welsh captain after a match against Tonga was made to apologise to him. A number of high-profile figures yesterday came out in support of Thomas after he posted a video on Twitter describing the incident.
GARETH THOMAS, the former Wales rugby international, has thanked police for allowing him “restorative justice” after he was the target of a homophobic attack in Cardiff.
A teenager who attacked the former Welsh captain after a match against Tonga was made to apologise to him.
A number of high-profile figures yesterday came out in support of Thomas after he posted a video on Twitter describing the incident.
In the video, a bruised Thomas expressed thanks to South Wales Police for allowing him to enact “restorative justice” by having the teenager who had assaulted him meet him and apologise. He said he hoped the unnamed 16-year-old would learn from the experience.
The incident occurred in Cardiff city centre around 9pm on Saturday following a match at the Principality Stadium in which Wales beat Tonga 74-24.
Thomas, 44, received widespread praise when he became the first openly gay rugby union player in 2009.
In the video, Thomas said: “This morning I’ve decided to make what I hope would be a positive video.
“Last night, I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality. Why I want it to be positive is I want to say thank you to the police who were involved and were very helpful and allowed me to do restorative justice with the people who did this because I thought they could learn more that way than any other way, and also to the people of Cardiff who supported me and helped me.
“There are a lot of people out there who want to hurt us but, unfortunately for them, there’s a lot more that want to help us heal. So this, I hope, will be a positive message.”
Twitter messages of solidarity and support included David Flatman, the sports pundit and former England prop, wrote: “Stay strong, mate. So many of us by your side. An incredible reaction from you.”
Neville Southall, the former Everton and Wales goalkeeper, wrote: “Sorry it happened, mate, but there are thousands who support you. Love that you concentrate on the positives. Keep being a role model. Top guy.”
Brett Gosper, World Rugby chief, was quick to tweet: “All our support and good wishes are with you as you move through this disgusting event and kudos to your character once again for turning this into a positive.”
Eve Myles, the Welsh actress, wrote: “Sending you strength and more love than you can imagine!”
Thomas, known affectionately as “Alfie”, retired from the game in 2011. In a statement, South Wales Police said: “Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.
“Hate crime has no place in society and has always been a priority for South Wales Police.”
‘There are a lot of people out there who want to hurt us, but there’s a lot more that want to help us heal’